One week out and visit with PCP

[jujube 42]

I had my surgery Feb. 18th and am doing really good. I went to WLS Dr. yesterday and got my drain tube removed. That made me feel a bunch better!!.

Today I had an appointment with my primary doctor. I had made the appointment because I knew I would be off work and have to go at least once a year to get my thyroid and BP medicine refilled. Anyway, he is very athletic, rides his bike to work everyday. When I told he I had gastric sleeve surgery seemed kind of taken back. He started telling me stats of how many people regain their weight etc. It really bummed me out. I know this surgery is just a tool and that I can not eat like I was or I will not be successful. I know he was just being realistic and stressing that I had to watch portions and incorporated exercise into my lifestyle but it still bummed me out. Maybe I am just sensitive after this liquid diet LOL. I just thought he would be a little more encouraging.

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

Jujube, I don't know where your PCP got his facts, he might be referring to the band as they do have a high statistical history of weight regain. According to my surgeon the long term stats on the gastric sleeve are not out there yet because as bariatric surgery goes, it's the new kid on the block. I think your doc was talking out of turn so don't worry about it. Prove to him that he's wrong and you made the right choice for you.

[HumanMerelyBeing 287]

I'm surprised, too. Most of my caregivers have been very supportive if not even guiding me that way. In fact, the reason I ultimately started to even think about and research it was because my cardiologist kept bringing it up. He said that the stats for WLS patients in terms of cardiac instances and other co-morbidities is much better - even if you only lost 50 or 60% of your excess weight. He also said that studies show that once a person has 100+ lbs to lose, the likelihood that they are going to do that on their own is pretty low.

I'll never forget, he called WLS "the 1-2 punch" that my weight needed.

[NMJG 1,266]

Jujube, he is your PCP, not your bariatric surgeon. This is one time I will say ignore your doctor LOL. He is not trained in bariatric procedures and has no business telling you things that he is not an expert in. You will do fine and you know what you need to to do succeed.

It's too bad he is not supportive, it makes such a difference. My PCP and his nurse have been very supportive - and curious. My PCP did research on the sleeve so he could treat me properly. I really appreciated that. Now he orders a different range of tests when I see him so he can check my Vitamin levels, Iron, Calcium, etc. in addition to the regular stuff.

[Allyson024 0]

Are we are at Ft Bragg does Tricare cov sleeve

er the

[Allyson024 0]

Does tricare cover the sleeve at ft bragg

[Sassy Pants1 186]

I'm not too surprised by your docs reaction. Though my PCP is very supportive, I've read some threads on here about docs not supporting weight loss surgery.

I agree with the poster above......be the example of success, change his mind!